MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A long-anticipated expansion of early childhood services in Reno County is now complete, as Hutchinson USD 308 officials and community partners celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Lil' Hawks Child Care Center.
The new facility, located at 2810 N. Adams, will serve up to 85 children ranging from two weeks old to school age—more than doubling the program’s previous capacity and addressing a growing need for accessible childcare in the Hutchinson area.
“This is a milestone for Hutchinson Public Schools, for our community, and most importantly, for the children and families who will benefit from this incredible new resource,” USD 308 Board of Education President Lance Patterson said during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Little Hawks Early Childhood Program, part of USD 308, has been serving families since 1991, offering services that include childcare, preschool programming, and support for pregnant women and young children. The new center significantly expands those services at a time when demand for childcare in Reno County continues to outpace availability.
District leaders emphasized that early childhood investment has long been a priority.
“We know that providing strong foundations for our youngest learners isn’t just good for children—it strengthens families, our schools, and our community as a whole,” Patterson said.
The newly constructed center features large, purpose-built classrooms and an outdoor playground designed to support early learning and development. The program will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering flexibility for working families.
Officials say the expansion is about more than just increasing capacity.
“The Little Hawks Child Care Center is more than a building—it’s a bridge for families and children,” Patterson said. “It strengthens the education pipeline, supports working parents, and ensures that our youngest learners are ready to thrive.”
The project was made possible through a combination of state grant funding, local partnerships, and community advocacy. District leaders specifically recognized the Reno County Child Care Task Force for its role in advancing the project, along with support from the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.
Additional thanks were extended to project partners, including Schafer Architecture for the facility’s design and Wiens & Company Construction for bringing the project to completion.
Community leaders say the new center is a critical step in addressing childcare shortages that have been identified as a barrier to workforce participation and economic growth in the region.
Enrollment is already underway, though officials note space remains limited. Families must apply through the district’s early childhood program, with applications remaining active for one year. Due to high demand, families are encouraged to apply early—even during pregnancy.
The program offers a mix of funding options, including free childcare for qualifying families, as well as private-pay rates.
In addition to expanding services, the program is also hiring staff ahead of full operations, including assistant teachers and a part-time family support worker.
District leaders say the opening represents a broader investment in the future of Hutchinson.
“Today we celebrate not just what has been built, but what it represents—collaboration, vision, and a shared commitment to children and families,” Patterson said. “Together, we are creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.”